How Did It Start
Nine Deep's funky men's line has been around for over a decade with a cult following, including me being a customer. Paul Harman, CEO approached me to birth & design a limited edition women's collection. i focused on beautiful tailored vests/halters & funky one of a kind gas-station inspired shirts. We launched & sold out in 2016!
Part of our secret sauce is what I call "shaper fabric." Not like Spanx that can literally stop you from breathing, this material stretches, drapes & shapes. Proudly, all materials are made in America, Japan & Italy & hand sewn locally.
PHILANTHROPY
Nine Deep Women's Collection paying it forward to the children of Appalachia.
However humble our venture, we are incredibly proud to have made our money back and turned a respectable profit. In gratitude for this success we wanted to pay it forward and donate a significant amount of our profits to a cause that called to us.
As Americans, we were struck by the poor of America especially the kids of Appalachia, in particular those in Eastern Kentucky. Johnson County is one of the poorest in America - but with a dignified and faith-filled population I was called to go out there and meet these incredible human beings in person.
In September 2016, with our humble check (and thanks to some kind friends who donated as well) I traveled to Eastern Kentucky and donated our profits to the Christian Appalachian Project who oversee an overwhelming amount of projects spanning cradle to grave to put it bluntly.
My week of experience was profound: From meeting those in the region from pre-schoolers to high-schoolers to retired vets. Sharing my story and moving others, teaching drama -- even the boys showed me that they could hipster up my shirts and rock 'em! What a blessing.
For more on Gwendoline's travels & her book about traveling the 50 states click HERE
